I love to run and I love to cook. Let me tell you about my adventures as I roam the web searching for new (and hopefully healthier) recipes for my family to try!

Thursday, May 8, 2008

South Beach Diet Chicken Jambalaya

Quick. Easy. Delicious. My favorite kind of recipe. This one comes from the South Beach Diet Quick and Easy Cookbook by Arthur Agatston, M.D. We aren't on the South Beach Diet. We've never been on the South Beach Diet. And actually, I have a hard time imagining myself on a carb restricted diet. ;-) But we really love this recipe. (As well as all of the others I've tried from this cookbook.)

Over time I have made a few changes to the recipe. I usually add in some andouille sausage if I have some around. The spicy sausage really adds to the depth of flavor in this dish. I also usually use yellow and red bell peppers instead of green because that what I keep around. I also will often use pre-cooked rice that I keep on-hand in the fridge and that cuts the cooking time considerably. I also add considerably more than 1/8 teaspoon of Cajun Seasoning. We like things spicy around here!

My oldest son actually says this is his favorite thing that I make. Enjoy!

Chicken JambalayaRecipe from The South Beach Diet Quick and Easy Cookbook by Arthur Agatston, M.D.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large straight-sided skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, scallions, bell pepper and garlic; cook, stirring often, until vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in rice and Cajun seasoning. Add broth and tomatoes with juice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes. If jambalaya has excess moisture, cook uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes. Sprinkle with reserved scallions and serve.

4 comments:

When I make it, I generally use rice that has already been cooked and just add it toward the end and let it simmer for a few minutes. If I were using uncooked quick rice, I'd probably add it a bit later and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes or so. :-)